1999 Audi 1.8T Sport - What to look for?

[GreenMint]

Hey guys,

Going to look at a 1999 A3 1.8T Sport tomorrow after work with my mate (Trying to trade in his 1998 318i that he spent 5 months saying was a 323i )

The one he is looking at is:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...ue/postcode/le33tt/radius/10/page/1?logcode=p

Any tips on what to specially look out for on these?

Cheers!

 

[roughlad]

Check when the timing belt was last done and if the water pump was changed at the same time. Check there is no unusual smoking from the car when the turbo kicks in, check the roof rails for rust as this is common and last but not least check that both buttons on the boot work if they don't they will probally need replaced.

 

[paradigm]

Check also that both fans on the radiator kick-in with the aircon switched on.

 

[MarkDavis]

£2.5k for a 1999 V plate A3?

That seems like crazy money.

 

[mattx2]

Check for rust along the bottom of the doors where the trim is common spot on these

 

[copycatuk]

Sludge issues on the 1.8t engine if i am right

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/audi_sludge.html

Edit just read full Audi history so should not be a problem

 

[Hades]

In my experience VAG cars of that era tend to suffer from dodgy coil packs and very dodgy electrics.

 

[Stormster]

This is more for MK4 Golfs, something I put together as checklist of, er, common issues to look over (theres LOADS) so probably mostly comparable to A3 issues if it's of any use. It's not very detailed but may make you look at stuff you'd not have thought about checking (wishbone bushes for example).

http://www.illusional.co.uk/stuff/golfguide.doc

 

[Firestar_3x]

Sludge issues on the 1.8t engine if i am right

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/audi_sludge.html

Edit just read full Audi history so should not be a problem

Sludge issues aren't really as big in the UK as in the US, however the problem was Audi / VW et all using the wrong oil in the 1.8T unit and the Long life services.

If its got a full Audi SH then it could be MORE LIKELY to have issues.

 

[Matt82]

tbh at that age you can expect any of the following will need to be done.

wishbone bushes
rear axle bushes
clutch
springs/dampers

£2.5k is a bit OTT unless all the important work has been done

 

[Gadge]

Oil sludge
See if the head has been done.
Coolant leaks
Coil packs

 

[Matt82]

sludge... ive seen the inside of a lot of 20vt lumps. the sludge is not common over here, in fact ive not seen it at all like you get on those american websites

over here we get loads of burnt on oil and thats due to dodgy longlife servicing, as firestar said

the sump needs to come down and the oil pick up cleaned. done a fair few of those too, some have been shocking

 

[Matt82]

oh, and another common one is a dodgy stat. good chance of that

boost leaks. i promise your car will be leaking boost. 99% its the breather system

 

[Kingy]

Having tried to pass off a 318 as a 323, I suggest you look for a turbo!

 

[GreenMint]

You? hehe please don't mistake this "for a friend" thread as being for myself, its for a work colleague, I still have my Civic! (if that was the case)

if it was down to him on his own he'd buy a 1.6 and throw a 3.2 badge on, y0

 

[Django x2]

 

[( |-| |2 ][ $]

boost leaks. i promise your car will be leaking boost. 99% its the breather system

Do you have a guide for checking for this?
I can use vag-com if required, or is there a particular join that usually fails; how would I know if my Seat Leon had a boost leak?

 

[Kingy]

You? hehe please don't mistake this "for a friend" thread as being for myself, its for a work colleague, I still have my Civic! (if that was the case)

if it was down to him on his own he'd buy a 1.6 and throw a 3.2 badge on, y0

Not at all, was suggesting you check his prospective new A3...

 

[iaind]

£2.5k for a 1999 V plate A3?

That seems like crazy money.

It's about book price and seems to be the going rate?

 

[GreenMint]

i think he's saddened today, hehe took him down after work, A3 looks to be in good condition, he's off down with his girlfriend on Sunday to test drive it, as he needs to pull more money together, was only offered £1000 for his 318i.

that BMW HAS to go though, power on it just stops ANY time, down the mway, he was going about 75 power suddenly stops and all he can do it roll till it comes back, bloody deathtrap and scary to follow!